OK, first of all let me say that yes, I did a search but couldn't find anything relevant.

I know this is pretty basic stuff but thought I'd check anyway.

I'm looking at replacing the fuel filter on my '91 Legacy 2.2 and was just wondering if I need to release the pressure in the fuel system first. The End Wrench recommends to depressurize the system before doing anything to the fuel PUMP. Do I need to do the same as described here for the actual filter: http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/FeedNov06EW.pdf

Or is it enough to just unscrew the fuel tank cap?

Anything else I should know?

Cheers,

Jean

Well, now that my post is up, I've actually found some really good write-ups from the links at the bottom. Weird how a search didn't yield anything though...

waste of time depressurizing. have some shop towels/cloth ready and go to town. when you first pull the hose some may spray out, just protect your eyes. otherwise it's completely benign and simple.

Undo the plug for the fuel pump at the pump or under the back seat. Turn over the car once or twice and voila, no more pressure.

I've done it depressurizing and without; now I just open the gas cap some and wrap a shop towel around the fuel hose before pulling it off. Some fuel will spray out but not a ton. Wearing chemical splash goggles is always a good idea.

 

Here's a connector that can be undone if desired (this is how Haynes says to do it) then crank a few times:

 

Fuel filter:

Ive replaced about 100 of these and have never depressurized.

Just a shop towel and slowly backed it off the nipples on the filter.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Gee, how did we manage before the internet, I wonder...

how did we manage before the internet

 

"We" just went ahead and did it. There is such a thing as "over-thinking" a small repair, I know when I "over-think" something, I end up making an a55 of myself.

how did we manage before the internet

 

"We" just went ahead and did it.

 

Not all of "us!"

 

As modern cars got more electronically controlled by sensors and computers, I certainly got more intimidated. Felt like I no longer understood what was going on under the hood. Sure, I'd change oil and spark plugs but that was about it.

 

What changed? Well, I found USMB. Good people who would share, offer suggestions, give step-by-step instructions if needed. But mostly folks who give inspiration and assurance--"it can be done and, yeah, you can probably do it."

 

I for one am extremely thankful for the internet and especially this forum.

 

Mahalo and Aloha!